I bought my wife a 22-250 to hunt with. It has plenty of knock down power without too much kick.
I have a .223 that is tricked out for a long-range varmit rifle. It also has plenty of knock down power and the free floating barrel will not kick much for a high powered gun.
Both have that going for them as well as accuracy. I think it just depends on what you want out of your rifle. The .223 can be configured so many different ways and they are sooooo much fun to shoot that I wish I had 10 more to play with.
... and when the sh*t comes down... my first rifle in my hand will be my .223!
(Ok, ok, thats my excuse for stock piling ammo)